Carlisle law firm Wragg Mark-Bell is supporting the city’s hospices this month by offering to draw up wills for free.
Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice both benefit from the scheme which gives locals the chance to have their wills drawn up while making a donation to the charities instead of paying the lawyers a fee.
“We do the work for free and Eden Valley Hospice suggest that the client makes a donation to the hospice instead,” says Wragg Mark- Bell paralegal Sarah Heal.
“What we are also doing this year, which is a bit different to other solicitors, is if someone wants to do a Lasting Power of Attorney at the same time we will knock £50 off the cost of that.”
She added: “We like to support local charities and in particular Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. They are an important part of Carlisle.
“I had a friend who spent time in the hospice before she died last year and I think the work they do is fabulous.”
Anyone over the age of 18 can take advantage of the scheme.
“We always suggest to our clients that they have their wills reviewed every four or five years so if you already have a will you can still take part,” said Sarah.
“The Lasting Power of Attorney is when you give authority to someone else to deal with either your finances or health and welfare decisions in the event that you can’t.
“You make them while you are fit and well. It’s about planning ahead.”
Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, which are based at Durdar Road in Carlisle, ask for a donation of £130 for a single basic will and £200 for a pair of basic ‘mirror’ wills such as are traditionally used by a married couple.
Solicitor Alex McAll, who specialises in wills at Wragg Mark-Bell, said: “In line with current government guidance we will resume face to face appointments when the current Covid-19 related restrictions are lifted.
“In the meantime, anyone who is interested can phone us and we will arrange to make a note of your interest.”